2026 Peugeot 308 facelift caught during testing in Spain

Four years have now passed since the third-generation Peugeot 308 was launched. At the time, it stood out for its more sophisticated styling, the debut of the brand’s new badge and a particularly comprehensive technology package.

Now, as it seeks to keep up the challenge against segment leader the Volkswagen Golf, the “lion brand” is already developing an update for the French model - and we have caught it in Spain during dynamic testing.

What can we expect?

The test prototypes are not completely disguised: only the front and rear ends are covered, where the principal styling changes are concentrated, as is customary with a facelift.

Although the camouflage does not make the changes fully clear, the Peugeot 308 appears set to adopt split headlights for the first time - separating the daytime running lights from the main headlamps - a solution that is currently very popular.

The front grille is also expected to be revised, probably moving closer to the look of its Peugeot 3008 “sibling”, with a wider shape and the brand badge positioned prominently in the centre. The front bumper should receive a more contemporary design, too.

Speaking of Peugeot’s new emblem, it remains on the side of the 308, a feature that recalls a well-known Italian marque… There is no change here, however, with attention now turning to the rear.

Compared with the front, updates at the rear should be subtler. The rear lights are expected to retain their existing shape and proportions, as will the rear bumper, although it may receive minor revisions for a more modern appearance.

Our “spies” did not catch sight of the interior, but changes are expected there as well, in both design and technology. Rumours suggest that the i-Cockpit Panoramic, similar to the system introduced on the new Peugeot 3008, could be added.

What will be under the bonnet?

No major changes are anticipated for the 2026 Peugeot 308 engine range. It should continue to offer something for every preference - petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.

The entry point will remain the 48 V mild-hybrid 1.2 PureTech petrol engine with 145 PS, while the diesel offering will continue to be covered by the 1.5 BlueHDi with 130 PS.

Then there is the plug-in hybrid, which recently became more powerful (195 PS) and gained a larger battery (14.6 kWh usable), allowing it to achieve a range of up to 85 km (WLTP cycle).

The Peugeot E-308, on the other hand, could bring some changes. It currently has a 54 kWh battery and a 115 kW (156 PS) motor, delivering up to 416 km of range. However, we recently saw the new electric DS Nº4, which shares the same platform, appear with a 58.3 kWh battery and 156 kW (213 PS) of power, with up to 450 km (WLTP cycle) claimed. Will this option make its way to the E-308?

When will it arrive?

Peugeot has not yet officially commented on the arrival of the 2026 Peugeot 308, but all indications suggest it will be unveiled later this year before reaching the market next year.